Oil Pressure ?
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 322
Likes: 8
From:
RE: Oil Pressure ?
Hey CJ_slowdown, just thought you'd like to know, that article you posted was about twin cams, since shovelheads don't have a cam support plate or an o-ring anywhere in relation to the oil pump, that article is of little help.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 207
Likes: 1
RE: Oil Pressure ?
10 psi hot is more than enough oil pressure, I would stick with the 20/50. I have been using 20/50 in my pan for 25 years ( this rebuild has over 100k on the bottom end and still going strong)
I know some say 50 or 60 wt. but why? the engine is a roller bearing motor, think about a 2 stroke, how much oil does it need to keep from locking up? ( all a roller bearing needs is to stay clean and wet)
as far as the qoute from Donny Peterson, I have never seen a Harley engine run 30-38 psi at 230 F crap my evo does not run 30 psi when dead cold at 5000 rpm (runs 12 psi at temp. and has since new)
Don't worry about it. the oil pressure you are running is just fine.
I know some say 50 or 60 wt. but why? the engine is a roller bearing motor, think about a 2 stroke, how much oil does it need to keep from locking up? ( all a roller bearing needs is to stay clean and wet)
as far as the qoute from Donny Peterson, I have never seen a Harley engine run 30-38 psi at 230 F crap my evo does not run 30 psi when dead cold at 5000 rpm (runs 12 psi at temp. and has since new)
Don't worry about it. the oil pressure you are running is just fine.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
From: S.E.PA
RE: Oil Pressure ?
ORIGINAL: jmetro
Hey CJ_slowdown, just thought you'd like to know, that article you posted was about twin cams, since shovelheads don't have a cam support plate or an o-ring anywhere in relation to the oil pump, that article is of little help.
Hey CJ_slowdown, just thought you'd like to know, that article you posted was about twin cams, since shovelheads don't have a cam support plate or an o-ring anywhere in relation to the oil pump, that article is of little help.
jmetro,
Isn’t that just like Donny site : - )
Here is like link and title I gave
http://www.heavydutycycles.com/shoveltech.htm
1930-84 BIG TWIN® TECHNICAL SECTION
Sorry about that, but he tends to go back and forth in a subject : - )
I just came across your reply sorry for the late come back, in fact I was searching on this very subject, high crank case pressures, a buddy has in his late ’84 shovel (with belt drive, one of the last shovels) he change out the heads, cyl’s and piston to S&S, ran great but after 4,000 miles had a oil leak out of the rocker box (front) he changed out the gasket once again to S&S gaskets he used Gasgacinch sealer, it blew again in less than 50 miles ! this bike would blow out the oil dip stick across the lawn !
Before he tears down the top again he wants to find out WTF is up, hes thinking all kinds of things maybe he crossed an oil line or something ? this time he says he is going to install the rocker box gaskets dry.
I can’t blame him not wanting to do this again and blowing another gasket in less than 50 miles.
Btw- sweet ride you got !!!
Ride safe,
cj
Novice
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
RE: Oil Pressure ?
Wow, I just ran across this post and what a relief! Being my 1st harley and a shovel on top of it I was getting ready to park it until I could be sure I wasn't on the verge of blowing the motor. I have close to 40lbs pressure at start up and it looks like between 10 to 15 going down the road. And then pretty much zero at idle when it's hot. Here in southern Indiana it has been 100degrees + for a long time and was pretty much the same today. I got caught at a train crossing today and there I sat, 100 degrees plus a hot shovel sitting between my legs and oil pressure sitting on zero! I didn't want to kill the engine since I have kicker only but as I sit there I'm thinking, damn this motor is cooking and no oil pressure, this can't be good! So I finally shut'er down. Anyway, that all had me freaked out and was just hoping it would hold together long enough to get me home. But after reading all these post it souns like this is normal for a shovel so I guess I can keep on riding. Thanks for a great forum! I've found more useful info on this site than anywhere else.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Oil Pressure ?
Shovels tend to run hotter and oil pressure gauges are rather useless, except for when you first start your motor in the morning when its cooler. I've been riding andwrenching onShovels since '79, and learned long ago that they ain't good for nothin' except make the bike lookcool. I used to check to see that its pumping 50lbs when cold, but I don't even bother tolookany more. I'd justmake sure that my oil bag is full and circulating,the oil idjit light comes on when I switch onthe ignition, start the bike, and if the idjit light goes out, I be go to go! The oil pressure gauge still looks great...ol' skool techno kind a thang!
My very firstShovel back in '79...
[IMG]local://upfiles/41673/850D27C704D54FFCB0B1F2959EB656A6.jpg[/IMG]
My very firstShovel back in '79...
[IMG]local://upfiles/41673/850D27C704D54FFCB0B1F2959EB656A6.jpg[/IMG]
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